Coaches & Groups

Wells is an ideal place to visit by coach! With its historic centre, magnificent cathedral, unique Vicars Close, moated Bishop's Palace and its wonderful independent shops and twice-weekly markets, England's smallest city makes an ideal destination. Come for a day trip or a short break, as Wells provides an excellent base for exploring the local area beyond everything there is to see and do throughout the year within the city.

Directions

The Coach Park is located at the Bus Station in Princes Street. This is the best place to drop your passengers. Toilets are available and "meet and greet" teams are available at peak periods with maps and discounted shopping vouchers as well as lunch vouchers for drivers. Modest parking charges apply. Signage is plentiful from whichever direction you enter Wells.

Princes Street Coach Park, Wells, BA5 2DT

For disabled and limited mobility passengers only, you may use the disabled setting down point in Sadler Street. Note that the setting down point is timelimited and only for setting down and picking up disabled and limited mobility passengers. After dropping off please follow the signs to the Coach Park. There are no facilities for drivers or passengers at this point.

Sadler Street Setting Down Point, Wells, BA5 2RR

Information

At peak times a meet and greet team will be present in the Coach Park to provide information to passengers along with a discount 'book of treats'.

If a meet and greet team are not in attendance as you enter the City, information for your visit can be gained from the Visitor Information Service, which is located on the Cathedral Green, within the Museum.

Driver Facilities

Group Travel drivers can gain information on where 'they will be looked after' from the meet and greet team. A drivers' rest room is now also located in the Bishops Palace.

Town Crier

The Wells Town Crier, Len Sweales has met many coaches into Wells during his time as Town Crier. If you would like Len to meet your party into Wells, please contact him direct to check his availability on len.sweales4@btinternet.com.

Eating Out

There are many different eating establishments within Wells with a wide range of choices. The following establishments can cater for large groups, but booking in advance is essential. The "Eating Out" section of this website provides contact details of the many independent cafes, with examples such as Pickwicks Café and the Spinning Wheel having significant seating capacity, as well as hotels such as The White Hart and The Swan.

The Bishop's Palace - The Bishop's Table Café within the Palace grounds can cater for 120 covers. If you fancy something a little bit more special for a group of 40+, then why not arrange for a beautiful afternoon tea in the vaulted, medieval Undercroft. To arrange, please contact the Palace group travel co-ordinator Moira on 01749 988111 ext. 200 or email info@bishopspalace.org.uk.

Wells Cathedral - The Wells Cathedral café can serve up to 90 covers. Set in the relaxing setting of the beautiful Cathedral, the café serves local and Fairtrade food where possible. Call 01749 676543 or email catering@wellscathedral.uk.net.

Pickwicks Café - Just a couple of hundred yards from the Coach Park in Broad Street, Pickwicks Café can seat up to 90 diners and can cater for all including, breakfasts, lunches, afternoon tea, homemade cakes or call to talk about special requirements. Contact 01749 676697.

Market Days

Wednesday and Saturdays throughout the year are Market Days within Wells. Held at the Market Place they are very popular with group visits. Each Market day you will find a huge selection of local produce and goods. A Farmers Market joins up with the market every Wednesday.

Where to Stay

The following accommodation providers can accommodate groups. For more information please see their websites.

The Swan Hotel - A beautiful Hotel dating back to at least 1422, The Swan Hotel has 46 bedrooms and overlooks the Cathedral Green. A Best Western Hotel. www.swanhotelwells.co.uk